Justice Minister Harsha Nanayakkara declared that the government will not step back “even by a single step” from its effort to bring the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, despite mounting opposition.

Speaking at the Badulla District convention of the Rata Hadana Jana Balaya movement, the Minister said the amendment is part of wider reforms aimed at strengthening the judicial system and ensuring corrupt individuals are brought before the courts.

He noted that decades of neglect had left the system paralyzed, with over 1.1 million cases pending. The government’s reforms, he said, are designed to make proceedings faster and more efficient, including changes to the retirement age of judges.

Nanayakkara rejected claims that the amendment targets a single judge, stressing that under the Judicial Organizations Act, the retirement age of all judges would be increased uniformly by two years. “If we tried to extend only one judge’s age, that argument would be valid. But here, everyone’s age increases equally,” he said.

Responding to critics who questioned the timing, the Minister asked why the amendment should be delayed until December. “If it is not good now, how does it become good later? By the end of this year you will see results. Justice will be fulfilled. The steps taken by this government will not go back. That is not the nature of this government,” he asserted. (Newswire)

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Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara says the government has taken concrete steps to strengthen the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), completing its Board of Directors with suitable members including representatives of families of the disappeared, restarting stalled investigations, recruiting 69 essential staff, and granting the institution the independence to carry out its statutory mandate.

The Minister noted that as of July 31, 2026, the OMP had identified 16,966 complaints as investigable and launched preliminary inquiries. Another 11,000 complaints had been delayed due to lack of funds, but in 2025 the Cabinet allocated Rs. 375 million to expedite work through 25 investigation committees. 

By end‑July, probes into 3,000 of the pending cases were completed, with the government expecting all preliminary investigations to conclude by the end of 2027.

Nanayakkara said 1,594 cases have already been referred for further inquiry, while 2,719 Certificates of Absence and 409 Certificates of Death have been issued to resolve families’ legal and administrative issues. 

Final information has been uncovered in 31 cases, communicated privately to families. In addition, 5,427 persons have been referred to the Reparations Office for compensation, alongside psychosocial support, housing, education, vocational training, and self‑employment programs. 

A special committee including family members has recommended a comprehensive relief package now being planned.

“These are not the final results. They are only milestones in the journey. A great responsibility still lies ahead, and we will not abandon it,” the Minister told the national commemoration ceremony in Jaffna on August 25, organized by the OMP to mark the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.

He stressed that investigations into mass graves are crucial, not for political gain but to uncover the truth. Inquiries, he said, must be evidence‑based, using scientific methods, forensic procedures, and DNA testing. 

The government has already allocated Rs. 57 million for excavations and related legal work at the Chemmani mass grave site, with assurances that financial limits will not halt the search for truth.

Addressing families of the disappeared, Nanayakkara said: “You waited for years. You asked questions. You sought answers. You lived with your pain. A government cannot change the past. In some cases, it cannot bring back the lost person. But we can do one thing: we can seek the truth, investigate, apply the law, and deliver justice. We are committed to that.”

He emphasized that remembrance must become responsibility, and responsibility must become action, adding that the government’s mandate is to build a country where the law is equal to all, truth is sought without fear, victims’ voices are heard, and every citizen’s dignity is protected.

The event also featured mobile service programs for families, including diabetes and eye check‑ups. 

Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, OMP Chairman Mahesh Katulanda, Northern Province Governor N. Vedanayagam, MPs, officials, and relatives of the disappeared were present. (Newswire)

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Minister of Justice, Harshana Nanayakkara says the 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill, which seeks to extend the retirement age of judges in Sri Lanka, will be presented to Parliament on Tuesday, August 18.

Speaking to local media today, the Justice Minister said that on the same day the Judicial Organizations Amendment Bill will also be tabled in Parliament.

The government’s decision to extend the retirement age of judges has faced strong opposition from the Chief Prelates, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), opposition political parties, and several international organizations. 

Despite this, the government published the 22nd Amendment Bill in the Gazette on August 7.

Under the proposed 22nd Amendment, the mandatory retirement age of Supreme Court judges will be increased from 65 to 67, while the retirement age of Court of Appeal judges will be increased from 63 to 65.

Meanwhile, during a recent meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the BASL President and members reiterated their position that the amendment should be carried out.

Under the Constitution, once a Bill is presented to Parliament, there is a 14‑day period during which it may be challenged before the Supreme Court. 

The Court is then required to deliver its determination to Parliament within 3 to 21 days after examining any petition. (Newswire)

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Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa and Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara met His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith at the Archbishop’s House in Colombo today for a special discussion on judicial and prison reforms.

The meeting aimed to update the Archbishop on the government’s reform agenda and to clarify facts amid what officials described as the spread of misleading information. 

The ministers outlined measures already taken to address challenges in the judicial and prison sectors, strengthen public trust in the courts, and ensure justice is delivered without delay.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Minister Jayatissa commented on the proposed amendment to the Anti‑Corruption Act, stressing that the public’s right to know the assets and liabilities of people’s representatives will be safeguarded.

“The assets and liabilities of representatives can be known by the public at any time. That right will not be obstructed,” he said.

He noted, however, that publishing the assets of government and statutory officials could affect their privacy when engaging in state or private service, and therefore amendments would apply only to those sectors.

On constitutional reform, Jayatissa said any amendment requires time and broad discussion both in Parliament and among the public. He emphasized that strengthening the economy, democracy, and the rule of law must precede constitutional changes. 

He added that the government intends to hold all elections on schedule and expects to conduct the Provincial Council elections at the earliest opportunity.

Minister Nanayakkara also expressed views on the planned judicial and prison reforms, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening the justice system. (Newswire)

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Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara told Parliament today that he has not received any letter from the Chief Prelates opposing the proposed constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of judges, despite claims made by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL).

“I have not received any letter as claimed by the BASL, while the President has also not informed me yet if he has received such a letter. As such, I have no letter to table in Parliament,” the Minister said.

Nanayakkara explained that he, along with Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, had met the Chief Prelates regarding the matter. 

“At that time they had not received the correct information. After we provided the correct information, they informed us to conduct the necessary discussions and take the necessary actions in this regard,” he added.

The remarks came after Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa questioned in Parliament about BASL’s statement that the Chief Incumbent of the Malwatu Chapter had informed them that the Chief Prelates of the four Chapters were of the view that the amendment was not suitable, and that this position had been conveyed in writing to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. (Newswire)

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Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara told Parliament today (04) that the recent unrest at Mahara Prison bore clear signs of sabotage and arson, raising suspicions of an organized attempt to cripple the facility’s administration.

Making a special statement in Parliament, the Justice Minister said the incident went beyond a typical inmate clash, noting that prisoners deliberately set fire to the kitchen, cafeteria, infirmary, and offices, including the main jailor’s office. 

“This shows they had a clear intention. This has never happened before. It is evident that there was an organized attempt to sabotage the administration of the Mahara Prison,” he stated.

According to the timeline presented, the unrest began on August 1 when three inmates staged a protest on the prison roof. After 15 minutes of failed negotiations, around 1,000 other inmates joined them, escalating the situation into a full‑scale riot. Prisoners pelted stones at the main entrance, forcing officials to deploy rubber bullets and tear gas.

By then, several units inside the prison had been destroyed. On August 2, Police Special Task Force (STF) and prison officials managed to contain the situation and return inmates to their cells. One prisoner was reported dead, while eight others were injured and hospitalized. No prison officials were killed or injured.

Minister Nanayakkara contrasted the Mahara incident with the recent Negombo Prison riot, stressing that while Negombo involved clashes between inmates, Mahara was in a direct confrontation with the administration. He questioned how such a large number of inmates could mobilize simultaneously, suggesting possible external influence.

“The intention was to make the Mahara Prison inoperational. We are investigating this. If there are any conspirators, we will take necessary action against them,” he said.

The Minister confirmed that the situation at Mahara Prison has been fully contained and that preventive measures are being discussed to ensure similar incidents do not spread to other prisons. (Newswire)

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The No-Confidence Motion (NCM) brought against Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara was defeated in Parliament today (24) by a majority of 116 votes.

A total of 152 MPs voted against the NCM, while 36 MPs voted in favour, and 0 abstentions.

The motion was brought by the Opposition over the recent controversy surrounding the Negombo Prison.

The Opposition formally handed over a no‑confidence motion against Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne in Parliament on July 22.

The motion comes in direct response to the Negombo Prison unrest on July 5 and 6, where clashes left a number of prison officers and inmates dead and several others seriously injured. 

The Opposition argues that Minister Nanayakkara failed to fulfill his responsibility and accountability for ensuring the safety of those in custody.

During the debate on the NCM today, Opposition MPs criticised the Justice Minister over his handling of the matter and called for him to take responsibility.

Government MPs defended Nanayakkara, arguing that holding the Minister responsible for the incident was unjustified and questioning the basis for bringing a NCM against him. (Newswire)

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The Parliamentary Business Committee has decided that the no‑confidence motion against the Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harshana Nanayakkara, will be taken up for debate in Parliament on Friday (24).

The decision was reached during the Parliamentary Business Committee’s meeting held earlier today.

The Opposition formally handed over a no‑confidence motion against Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne in Parliament yesterday (22).

The submission was made with the signatures of several Opposition MPs, marking a coordinated challenge to the Minister’s position.

The motion comes in direct response to the Negombo Prison unrest on July 5 and 6, where clashes left a number of prison officers and inmates dead and several others seriously injured. 

The Opposition argues that Minister Nanayakkara failed to fulfill his responsibility and accountability for ensuring the safety of those in custody. (Newswire)

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The Opposition has formally handed over a no‑confidence motion against Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne in Parliament today (21).

The Opposition confirmed the move, noting that the submission was made with the signatures of several Opposition MPs, marking a coordinated challenge to the Minister’s position.

The motion comes in direct response to the Negombo Prison unrest on July 5 and 6, where clashes left a number of prison officers and inmates dead and several others seriously injured. 

The Opposition argues that Minister Nanayakkara failed to fulfill his responsibility and accountability for ensuring the safety of those in custody.

According to the motion, the Minister has not properly carried out duties entrusted to him under Extraordinary Gazette No. 2412/08 of November 25, 2024, which include formulating and implementing policies on prison reforms, administration and rehabilitation, developing prison infrastructure, and reducing congestion. 

These lapses, the Opposition claims, directly contributed to the crisis. (Newswire)

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Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara told Parliament today (21) that steps are underway to expedite the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). 

He highlighted that the new legislation has already been approved by the Cabinet‑appointed committee, marking a decisive move toward abolishing the decades‑old law.

“Once approval is granted for the new legislation, the Prevention of Terrorism Act will be abolished,” the Minister affirmed.

Nanayakkara further explained that individuals detained under the PTA for extended periods without hearings will be able to apply for bail through the relevant High Court. 

He clarified that bail is not a government policy decision, stressing that the judiciary functions independently in such matters. (Newswire)

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The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has urged the Government not to proceed with a proposed constitutional amendment to increase the retirement age of judges of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal without broad consultation with key stakeholders. 

In a letter dated July 16 to Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, the BASL said the proposal carries significant constitutional implications and raises serious concerns regarding judicial independence, the administration of justice and the rule of law. 

The BASL noted that it had previously written to the Justice Minister on March 30 seeking clarification on reports of the proposal and later wrote to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on May 25 expressing its opposition. It said no response had been received to either communication. 

The association argued that there is no demonstrated institutional necessity to alter the retirement ages of judges, pointing out that the number of judges in both the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal had already been increased in recent years to address workload concerns. 

According to the BASL, any constitutional amendment aimed solely at extending the tenure of sitting judges could undermine public confidence in the independence of the judiciary and create perceptions that the change is motivated by factors other than institutional need. 

The BASL also said constitutional amendments affecting the superior judiciary should not be introduced on an ad hoc basis, but only after transparent public justification and meaningful consultation with stakeholders. It noted that the proposal has attracted opposition from members of the judiciary, former judges, senior lawyers, academics and international legal organisations. 

Referring to comments made after the Cabinet meeting on July 14, the BASL said the Justice Ministry had been asked to submit its observations before Cabinet makes a final decision on the proposal. It urged the Ministry to ensure that the views of all principal stakeholders are reflected in that process. 

The association has requested the appointment of a committee comprising representatives of the Ministry of Justice, the Judiciary, the BASL and other relevant stakeholders to study the proposal comprehensively before any further action is taken. It also sought a meeting with the Justice Minister to discuss the matter and said no further steps should be taken until meaningful consultations have been completed. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, together with Opposition MPs, today signed a No‑Confidence Motion (NCM) in Parliament against Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara.

The move comes in response to the unrest at Negombo Prison, where both prison officers and inmates were killed.

Opposition members said the Minister had failed to fulfill his responsibility and accountability regarding their safety.

According to the Opposition group, the NCM seeks to hold the Minister directly accountable for lapses in ensuring protection within the prison system. (Newswire)

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Prison officials have raised concerns with Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara over misleading information being circulated about the officer who opened fire during the recent Negombo Prison unrest. 

They told the Minister that the officer’s actions were crucial in containing the situation. 

“We were rescued from a serious crisis because of that officer. We wear this uniform as a separate unit. What are these stories being spread outside?” they questioned. 

The officials further noted that if prisoners had broken out, it would have led to a serious disaster affecting the public. 

Calling the officer a hero, they urged the Minister to protect him.

In response, Justice Minister Nanayakkara assured that justice would be ensured in the matter. (Newswire)

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Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara says that construction is underway to increase the space in Sri Lankan prisons. 

Addressing the Parliament today (07), the Justice Minister said that steps are being taken to increase existing space to around 10,000 to address prison overcrowding.

He further said that a committee has been appointed to look into the House Arrest Act, to enable remand prisoners to be kept under house arrest with electronic monitoring equipment, instead of being sent to prison. 

“Recruitment is also underway for the Prisons Department. But this state service is no longer attractive. People from good schools are  not applying to  the prisons anymore, as it’s not attractive. Job requests have decreased drastically,” he said. 

Stating that the government has taken measures to address issues related to prisons, Minister Nanayakkara said that it will take time for the outcome. 

His remarks come after the recent unrest at the Negombo prison.

Briefing the Parliament today (07), Minister Nanayakkara said seven prison officers and 19 inmates have been reported dead in the clashes, while 23 officers and 54 inmates were injured and are hospitalized.

He further said that multiple investigations are underway into the deadly Negombo Prison unrest.

The Justice Minister said that the Cabinet has appointed a committee to conduct investigations into the incident, while the Prisons Department has filed a complaint with the Police and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is conducting a probe. A separate investigation is also being conducted by the Prisons Department, he said. 

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Police has also announced that investigations into the incident at Negombo Prison have been entrusted to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD). 

The Police said that the investigations have been handed over following directives issued by the Inspector General of Police (IGP). (Newswire)

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Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara visited the Negombo District General Hospital on Monday (06) to inquire into the condition of prison officers injured during the recent clash inside the Negombo Prison.

During the inspection, the Minister held discussions with doctors and hospital staff regarding the treatment being administered to the injured officers and the facilities required to support their recovery.

According to official figures, 23 prison officers are currently receiving treatment at the Negombo District General Hospital and Colombo National Hospital, while 54 inmates injured in the incident are also under medical care.

Following the unrest at the Negombo Prison, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara revealed that 26 individuals were reported dead, which included 19 inmates and seven prison officers.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet has approved the appointment of a three-member committee, chaired by Retired Supreme Court Judge Priyantha Fernando, to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident. (Newswire)

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Minister of Justice Harsha Nanayakkara told Parliament today (11) that official Cabinet approval has not been obtained to extend the retirement age of judges in the judicial system, including the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

Responding to several questions raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa under Standing Order 27(2), the Minister said that apart from judges, other professionals too have requested an increase in the retirement age.

He noted that the government is considering these requests reasonably, pointing out that while some are fair, others are political.

However, Nanayakkara stressed that no official decision has yet been taken on the matter. (Newswire)

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Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has dismissed Opposition claims of 300 children being on board the second Iranian vessel off the coast of Sri Lanka. 

Addressing Parliament today, Minister Nanayakkara clarified there were no children on board the vessel, criticizing the opposition for speaking based on reports on social media and without checking facts. 

“A particular media had claimed that there were 300 children on board the ship. After some time, the media had dropped the part referring to children and reported 300 individuals. The opposition MPs have seen only the first reference. Please do not raise unchecked facts in Parliament. It is an injustice to the public,” he said. 

The Justice Minister further said that there were attempts to create chaos in the country through such unverified information. 

He went on to note that there was fake news related to the Iranian vessel being circulated on social media.

“One claim is that Sri Lanka was the informant for the US to attack the Iranian ship. Hours later, there is another fake news urging the public to buy and store fuel, as Iran has decided not to provide fuel to Sri Lanka for being an informant, leading to the ship attack. What irresponsible people. These people are attempting to seize power by setting fire to the nation,” he said. 

The Justice Minister said the government cannot take action against such people as it respects freedom of expression, but urged the public, including the opposition, to use the right wisely and responsibly.

He further pointed out that some opposition MPs were using parliamentary privileges to make statements in Parliament, for which they cannot be arrested, which was being reported by the media, and could be misleading. 

Meanwhile, Opposition MP Ajith P. Perera has clarified that he only mentioned that there were 300 children on board the second Iranian vessel, as they were cadets.

Addressing the Parliament today, he said that he never referred to the individuals as children of the age of 04 or 05.

“They are cadets. I never said they are young children. Eventually, the government did what we advised. MP Hashara Liyanage said not to help. But we urged for humanity and to help them. They are still children. They are Navy students. We will speak for their rights, irrespective of their nationality,” he said. (Newswire)

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Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara has instructed relevant officials to provide the necessary infrastructure quickly to establish courts in official residences previously used by former ministers.

Minister Nanayakkara gave these instructions during an inspection visit on Thursday (12 Feb) to official residences handed over by the Ministry of Public Administration to the Ministry of Justice for the establishment of special High Courts.

As part of the Anti‑Corruption Action Plan (2025–2029), four official residences previously used by former ministers have been temporarily allocated to the Ministry of Justice to expedite court proceedings.

Accordingly, the official residences located at No. B/88 Gregory Road, Colombo 07; No. C/76 Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07; No. B/108 Wijerama Road, Colombo 07; and No. B/12 Stanmore Crescent, Colombo 07, were inspected by the Minister.

At the residence at No. C/76 Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07, a special High Court has already been established to hear cases related to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. The Minister instructed officials to expedite the provision of further necessary facilities at this location.

The residences at No. B/88 Gregory Road, Colombo 07; No. B/108 Wijerama Road, Colombo 07; and No. B/12 Stanmore Crescent, Colombo 07, were also inspected, with discussions held on providing the required facilities to establish courts there.

Meanwhile, the Justice Minister, together with ministry officials, also participated in a special inspection tour of the completed Magistrates’ Court building complex under the Hulftsdorp Court Complex project.

Due to renovation work at the Supreme Court complex, Supreme Court proceedings had been temporarily conducted at the completed Magistrates’ Court building complex.

Since renovations at the Supreme Court complex have now been completed and proceedings have returned there, discussions were held on the possibility of establishing five new High Courts within the Magistrates’ Court building complex to expedite judicial proceedings.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Public Administration, and the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau participated in the inspection tour. (Newswire)

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Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara says the removal of the Attorney General has not been discussed at the Cabinet.

The Minister made this remark to the media today (22 Jan) following a discussion held at the Vavuniya District Secretariat.

“Regardless of what kind of reports are published on social media, there has been no discussion within the Cabinet regarding the removal of the Attorney General. Some opinions on social media say the Attorney General should be protected, while others claim he should be removed. Certain reports even suggest that not only the Attorney General but also the Justice Minister should be sent home,” he said.

Minister Nanayakkara further said that if there are complaints against the Justice Minister or anyone else, the law of this country applies equally to all, and that complaints can be made.

“The government has no connection to what is published on social media. There has been no Cabinet discussion regarding the removal of the Attorney General or any impeachment against him,” the Justice Minister added. (Newswire)

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Opposition MP Chamindrani Kiriella yesterday (19 Jan) raised a series of questions in Parliament to Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara, regarding the current state of prisons in Sri Lanka.

The MP first inquired about the situation at Pallekele, Dumbara Prison, to which the Justice Minister said that as of January 4, 2026, the facility housed 2,246 inmates, including 107 women and 2,139 men, despite having an approved capacity of only 699.

Pointing out that out of 37,761 inmates nationwide, 27,000 are remand prisoners who have not yet been convicted, MP Kiriella suggested that Sri Lanka consider mechanisms such as general amnesty for first‑time offenders or those with good conduct, and referenced South Africa’s bail fund for those unable to pay bail.

Responding, Minister Nanayakkara acknowledged severe overcrowding across the prison system, including Dumbara. 

“Already, through the community correction system, in the past year alone, about 17,000 individuals were kept under supervision without being remanded, thereby reducing congestion. We will continue this this year as well. At present, voluntary organizations are coming forward to pay fines for those unable to do so, and we provide the necessary facilities. The main cause of congestion is those remanded for drug‑related offences. Fine payments alone do not reduce overcrowding. Solutions lie within my Ministry. For this, forensic reports are being expedited. Approval has been granted to recruit 50 personnel to the Government Analyst’s Department, and arrangements are being made to recruit another 32. I expect to establish a system to issue forensic reports within three months. Bail cannot be expedited without expediting forensic reports. Measures are being taken to reduce prison congestion,” the Justice Minister said.

MP Kiriella further raised concerns about rehabilitation, noting that of the 37,000 inmates, around 30,000 are drug‑related prisoners. She pointed out that although Rs. 500 million was allocated for rehabilitation in the 2025 budget, financial progress was only about 1%. For 2026, Rs. 1,000 million has been allocated, amounting to roughly Rs. 300 per inmate, which she argued was insufficient.

Minister Nanayakkara responded that while her concerns were valid, clarification was needed. 

“The 27,000 remand prisoners cannot be rehabilitated. The Rehabilitation Division, previously under the Ministry of Justice, has been gazetted under the Ministry of Public Security, since that Ministry also undertakes rehabilitation. Therefore, both ministries together carry out rehabilitation programs. These days, with the government’s anti‑drug program, about 700 individuals are taken into custody on some days, and most are referred to voluntary rehabilitation centres. There is no shortage of funds for rehabilitation. The President has instructed that if funds are insufficient, allocations will be made. Both the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Public Security have adequate funds for rehabilitation activities,” Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara explained. (Newswire)

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